Remco Evenepoel Explains Missed Sprint on Tour de France Stage 3

**Remco Evenepoel** told reporters on 30 June 2026 that he lacked the extra punch needed to contest the uphill sprint on Tour de France Stage 3, finishing eighth and remaining third overall in the general classification.

The 2026 Tour opened with a hot, hilly route to Les Angles. **Tadej Pogačar** (UAE Team Emirates‑XRG) powered away on the final two‑kilometre climb to claim the stage win and the yellow jersey. Evenepoel arrived four seconds behind, crossing the line in eighth place. He stayed within 23 seconds of the leader, keeping his podium chances alive.

In post‑stage comments to *Nieuwsblad*, Evenepoel said the long, scorching day and a two‑month racing hiatus after Liège‑Bastogne‑Liège had taken their toll. “I could ride very fast, but I lacked that extra punch,” he explained. The Belgian added that the breakaway took time to form, and by the time the decisive climb arrived he was past his best, forced to follow and finish as quickly as possible.

Evenepoel’s last major win came at the 2023 UAE Tour on Jebel Jais, where he surged past the peloton after **Einer Rubio** had already gone solo. Earlier this week he placed third on the Montjuïc climb of Stage 2, staying close to Pogačar, **Isaac del Toro**, and **Jonas Vingegaard**. The current result shows a return to form after a long break, but also highlights the need for race sharpness before he can unleash his trademark uphill sprint.

Evenepoel’s eighth‑place finish kept him three seconds behind the stage winner and 23 seconds down on the overall lead. He remains a strong GC contender, especially on rolling terrain where his time‑trial abilities shine. The Belgian praised Pogačar’s aggressive tactics, noting that “if you can win, you have to do it,” and affirmed his own satisfaction with the day’s effort.

The next stage heads into the Pyrenees, offering a chance for Evenepoel to test his climbing legs again. He hinted that the extra punch will return once race rhythm is restored. Fans can expect him to target the final climbs, hoping to close the time gap to Pogačar and challenge for the yellow jersey as the Tour progresses.